Medullary Compression by a Cervical Osteochondroma in a Patient with Multiple Hereditary Exostoses: A Case Report.

CASE: A 19-year-old man with Multiple Hereditary Exostoses presented with cervical pain without neurological symptoms and/or signs. Magnetic resonance revealed a large C2 osteochondroma, occupying a part of the medullary canal. He was submitted to an en bloc resection with hemilaminectomy without fusion. At the 1-year follow-up, he presented resolution of pain and no neurological symptoms or signs, without cervical instability or radiological signs of disease recurrence. CONCLUSION: Cervical osteochondroma is usually asymptomatic. Neurological compression and differentiation to chondrosarcoma are the main concerns. Surgical excision allows the local cure of the disease and is usually performed without fusion.

Sagittal Plane Alignment and Functional Outcomes Following Surgery for Scheuermann Kyphosis.

Objective To evaluate and correlate the pelvic parameters, the sagittal balance (SB), and the functional outcome of the patients submitted to surgical treatment for Scheuermann hyperkyphosis (SK). Methods Patients submitted to surgery between January 2005 and December 2016 were included. The following radiographic measurements were obtained: thoracic kyphosis (TK); lumbar lordosis (LL); SB; pelvic incidence (PI); pelvic tilt (PT); and sacral slope (SS). Complications during the follow-up period were recorded. Results A total of 19 patients were included (16 males): the mean preoperative kyphosis was of 83°, and the postoperative kyphosis was of 57°. The mean preoperative lumbar lordosis was of 66°, with a postoperative spontaneous correction of 47°. Regarding the preoperative pelvic parameters, the average PI, PT and SS were of 48°,10° and 39° respectively. In the postoperative period, these values were of 50°, 16° and 35° respectively. The preoperative SB was neutral, and it was maintained after the surgical correction. Concerning complications during the follow-up period, three junctional kyphosis were observed-two requiring revision surgery, one nonunion, and one dehiscence of the surgical wound. Regarding the functional results, the average score on the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) patient questionnaire was of 4.04, and we verified that the SB obtained in the postoperative period had no influence on the functional outcome ( p = 0.125) nor on the postoperative LL ( p = 0.851). Conclusion We verified a spontaneous improvement in the lumbar hyperlordosis at levels not included in the fusion after correction of the TK. Although the postoperative functional results were globally high, we did not find any statistically significant relationship with TK nor LLs. high PI is associated with a greater rate of complications regarding the proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), and these pelvic parameters should be considered at the time of the SK surgical treatment.

Sagittal Plane Alignment and Functional Outcomes Following Surgery for Scheuermann Kyphosis / Alinhamento do plano sagital e resultados funcionais após cirurgia para a cifose de Scheuermann

Abstract Objective To evaluate and correlate the pelvic parameters, the sagittal balance (SB), and the functional outcome of the patients submitted to surgical treatment for Scheuermann hyperkyphosis (SK). Methods Patients submitted to surgery between January 2005 and December 2016 were included. The following radiographic measurements were obtained: thoracic kyphosis (TK); lumbar lordosis (LL); SB; pelvic incidence (PI); pelvic tilt (PT); and sacral slope (SS). Complications during the follow-up period were recorded. Results A total of 19 patients were included (16 males): the mean preoperative kyphosis was of 83°, and the postoperative kyphosis was of 57°. The mean preoperative lumbar lordosis was of 66°, with a postoperative spontaneous correction of 47°. Regarding the preoperative pelvic parameters, the average PI, PT and SS were of 48°,10° and 39° respectively. In the postoperative period, these values were of 50°, 16° and 35° respectively. The preoperative SB was neutral, and it was maintained after the surgical correction. Concerning complications during the follow-up period, three junctional kyphosis were observed-two requiring revision surgery, one nonunion, and one dehiscence of the surgical wound. Regarding the functional results, the average score on the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) patient questionnaire was of 4.04, and we verified that the SB obtained in the postoperative period had no influence on the functional outcome (p = 0.125) nor on the postoperative LL (p = 0.851). Conclusion We verified a spontaneous improvement in the lumbar hyperlordosis at levels not included in the fusion after correction of the TK. Although the postoperative functional results were globally high, we did not find any statistically significant relationship with TK nor LLs. high PI is associated with a greater rate of complications regarding the proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK), and these pelvic parameters should be considered at the time of the SK surgical treatment.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar e correlacionar os parâmetros pélvicos, o equilíbrio sagital (SB), e o resultado funcional dos pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico da hipercifose de Scheuermann (SK). Métodos Foram incluídos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia entre janeiro de 2005 e dezembro de 2016. Foram obtidas as seguintes medidas radiográficas: cifose torácica (TK); lordose lombar (LL); SB; incidência pélvica (PI); inclinação pélvica (PT); e inclinação sacral (SS). Complicações foram registradas durante o período de seguimento. Resultados Foram incluídos 19 pacientes (16 homens): a cifose pré-operatória média foi de 83°, e, após a cirurgia, de 57°. A LL média pré-operatória foi de 66°, com uma correção espontânea pós-operatória de 47°. Quanto aos parâmetros pélvicos préoperatórios, as médias de PI, PT e SS foram de 48°, 10° e 39°, respectivamente. No pósoperatório, esses valores foram de 50°, 16° e 35°, respectivamente. O SB pré-operatório foi neutro e mantido após correção cirúrgica. Quanto às complicações durante o período de seguimento, foram observadas três cifoses juncionais - duas necessitando de cirurgia de revisão, uma má consolidação, e uma deiscência de sutura. Em relação aos resultados funcionais, a pontuação média no questionário de 22 itens da Scoliosis Research Society (SRS-22) foi de 4,04, e verificou-se que o SB no pós-operatório não teve influência no desfecho funcional (p = 0,125), nem na LL pós-operatória (p = 0,851). Conclusão Verificamos uma melhora espontânea da hiperlordose lombar em níveis não incluídos na fusão após a correção da TK. Embora os resultados funcionais pósoperatórios tenham sido globalmente elevados, não encontramos nenhuma relação estatisticamente significativa com a TK nem com a LL. A PI elevada está associada a maior complicação da cifose juncional proximal (PJK), e esses parâmetros pélvicos devem ser considerados no momento do tratamento cirúrgico da cifose de Scheuermann.

Spondylectomy for Primary Ewing Lumbar Sarcoma in Children.

Primary Ewing sarcoma in the spine is very rare, and the treatment for it is multidisciplinary. There is no consensus regarding the optimal method of local control; however, en bloc resection is associated with an improvement in survival rates. The authors report a case of a 5-year-old girl who initially presented low back pain, and was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma after being submitted to imaging studies by radiography, magnetic resonance and bone biopsy. A spondylectomy was performed in accordance with the Euro Ewing protocol. At the three-year follow-up, the patient had no restrictions regarding her daily activities, and there has been no evidence of recurrence to date.

Spondylectomy for Primary Ewing Lumbar Sarcoma in Children / Espondilectomia para sarcoma lombar primário de Ewing em crianças

Abstract Primary Ewing sarcoma in the spine is very rare, and the treatment for it is multidisciplinary. There is no consensus regarding the optimal method of local control; however, en bloc resection is associated with an improvement in survival rates. The authors report a case of a 5-year-old girl who initially presented low back pain, and was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma after being submitted to imaging studies by radiography, magnetic resonance and bone biopsy. A spondylectomy was performed in accordance with the Euro Ewing protocol. At the three-year follow-up, the patient had no restrictions regarding her daily activities, and there has been no evidence of recurrence to date.

Resumo O sarcoma de Ewing da coluna vertebral é raro, e seu tratamento é multidisciplinar. Não há consenso sobre o método ideal de controle local do tumor; no entanto, a ressecção em bloco com margens negativas está associada a uma melhora da sobrevida. Os autores relatam um caso de uma paciente de 5 anos do sexo feminino que inicialmente se apresentou com dor lombar, tendo sido diagnosticada com sarcoma de Ewing de acordo com o estudo imagiológico por radiografia, ressonância magnética e biópsia óssea. A paciente foi submetida a vertebrectomia após quimioterapia, de acordo com o protocolo Euro Ewing. Aos três anos de seguimento, não apresentou restrições nas atividades da vida diária, e, até o momento, não houve evidência de recidiva.

Azole-resistant Candida albicans Spondylodiscitis After Bariatric Surgery: A Case Report.

CASE: We present a case of azole and partial caspofungin-resistant Candida albicans spondylodiscitis, after bariatric surgery with bowel perforation. Treatment included debridement and several months of anidulafungin, complemented with antibacterial therapy because of relapse for bacterial superinfection. After treatment, the infection did not recur clinically or radiologically during one and half years follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although C. albicans spondylodiscitis is rare, fungi should be suspected as a causative agent. Adequate history, imaging and laboratory testing, and medical and surgical treatment should be performed to successfully eradicate the infection and resolve potential neurological deficits.

What Factors can Influence Massive Blood Loss in the Surgical Treatment of Neuromuscular Scoliosis?

Objective The aim of the present study is to identify the incidence, predisposing factors and prognostic impact of blood loss in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis submitted to corrective surgery. Methods Retrospective cohort study, including pediatric patients diagnosed with neuromuscular scoliosis undergoing instrumentation and posterior vertebral fusion in a university hospital. Patient characteristics were collected from the hospital information system. Results A total of 39 patients were included in the study. The intraoperative blood losses were 962 ml, representing a loss of 35.63% of the blood volume. In 20 cases, there was a massive blood loss (> 30%) and only 7 patients did not need a transfusion. The group of patients with massive blood loss had a slightly higher age (13.75 versus 13.53 years old), a lower body mass index (BMI) percentile (25 versus 50), and for each decrease of 0.38 in the BMI, intraoperative blood losses increased 1% ( p < 0.05). The value of preoperative albumin had influence on the percentage of blood loss, and for each decrease of 0.4 of albumin, blood loss increased 1% ( p < 0.05). Conclusions The factors that most contributed to the differences in blood loss were age, BMI, and preoperative albumin value. There was no significant association between Cobb angle, number of fusion levels and duration of surgery. We can conclude that these patients would benefit from preoperative nutritional control.

What Factors can Influence Massive Blood Loss in the Surgical Treatment of Neuromuscular Scoliosis? / Quais fatores podem influenciar perdas sanguíneas extensas no tratamento cirúrgico da escoliose neuromuscular?

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study is to identify the incidence, predisposing factors and prognostic impact of blood loss in patients with neuromuscular scoliosis submitted to corrective surgery. Methods Retrospective cohort study, including pediatric patients diagnosed with neuromuscular scoliosis undergoing instrumentation and posterior vertebral fusion in a university hospital. Patient characteristics were collected from the hospital information system. Results A total of 39 patients were included in the study. The intraoperative blood losses were 962 ml, representing a loss of 35.63% of the blood volume. In 20 cases, there was a massive blood loss (> 30%) and only 7 patients did not need a transfusion. The group of patients with massive blood loss had a slightly higher age (13.75 versus 13.53 years old), a lower body mass index (BMI) percentile (25 versus 50), and for each decrease of 0.38 in the BMI, intraoperative blood losses increased 1% (p < 0.05). The value of preoperative albumin had influence on the percentage of blood loss, and for each decrease of 0.4 of albumin, blood loss increased 1% (p < 0.05). Conclusions The factors that most contributed to the differences in blood loss were age, BMI, and preoperative albumin value. There was no significant association between Cobb angle, number of fusion levels and duration of surgery. We can conclude that these patients would benefit from preoperative nutritional control.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo do presente estudo é identificar a incidência, os fatores predisponentes e o impacto prognóstico da perda de sangue em pacientes com escoliose neuromuscular submetidos a cirurgia corretiva. Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectiva, incluindo pacientes pediátricos com diagnóstico de escoliose neuromuscular submetidos a instrumentação e fusão vertebral posterior em um hospital universitário. As características dos pacientes foram coletadas no sistema de informações do hospital. Resultados Um total de 39 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. As perdas sanguíneas intraoperatórias foram de 962 mL, representando uma perda de 35,63% do volume sanguíneo; a perda de sangue foi extensa em 20 casos (> 30%) e apenas 7 pacientes não necessitaram de transfusão. O grupo de pacientes com perda maciça de sangue apresentou idade um pouco maior (13,75 versus 13,53 anos) e menor percentil do índice de massa corporal (IMC) (25 versus 50); para cada diminuição de 0,38 no IMC, as perdas sanguíneas intraoperatórias aumentaram 1% (p < 0,05). A concentração pré-operatória de albumina influenciou o percentual de perda de sangue e, para cada diminuição de 0,4 de albumina, a perda de sangue aumentou 1% (p < 0,05). Conclusões Os fatores que mais contribuíram para as diferenças na perda sanguínea foram idade, IMC e concentração pré-operatória de albumina. Não houve associação significativa entre ângulo de Cobb, número de níveis de fusão e duração da cirurgia. Podemos concluir que esses pacientes se beneficiariam do controle nutricional pré-operatório.

Pediatric Pyomyositis: A Rare but Important Complication of Varicella.

Varicella is a common viral infection in children and most of them recover without sequelae, but serious complications can follow this infection and 6% have been reported to be musculoskeletal. A previously healthy 3-year-old Caucasian male presented with odynophagia, anorexy, fever, refusal to bear weight, and vesicular exanthema. Varicella was diagnosed, but he sustained fever around 39°C and local tenderness on the proximal lateral portion of the right leg maintaining an antalgic position. Ultrasonography and plain radiography were performed, but the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed due to the clinically worsening diagnosed pyomyositis. He was subjected to surgical debridement, and we started intravenous antibiotherapy. Streptococcus pyogenes grew in the microbiologic culture. At a 6-month follow-up, the boy did not suffer from any sequelae. The regular course of varicella is benign; however, it can occasionally develop into a more serious illness. The initial presentation of pyomyositis is often subacute, and the first symptoms may be vague. The awareness of musculoskeletal complications is imperative, and the combination of varicella's exanthema and fever followed by some limb complaint should lead to an alert attitude.

Cervical Osteoblastoma: A Case Report.

Osteoblastoma is a rare benign primary bone tumor. It accounts for 3% of benign and 1% of all primary bone tumors. The treatment goal is complete surgical resection. This treatment limits the risk of recurrence. As osteoblastoma is a highly vascular tumor, complete resection is often difficult. This report describes the case of a 19-year-old male patient who presented severe right-sided neck and shoulder pain. The computed tomography scan revealed a mass lesion on C7 compatible with osteoblastoma. Preoperative embolization and tumor resection were performed. At the 3-year follow-up, the patient had no restrictions on daily activities, and, to date, there has been no evidence of recurrence.

Cervical Osteoblastoma: A Case Report / Osteoblastoma cervical: relato de caso

Abstract Osteoblastoma is a rare benign primary bone tumor. It accounts for 3% of benign and 1% of all primary bone tumors. The treatment goal is complete surgical resection. This treatment limits the risk of recurrence. As osteoblastoma is a highly vascular tumor, complete resection is often difficult. This report describes the case of a 19-year-old male patient who presented severe right-sided neck and shoulder pain. The computed tomography scan revealed a mass lesion on C7 compatible with osteoblastoma. Preoperative embolization and tumor resection were performed. At the 3-year follow-up, the patient had no restrictions on daily activities, and, to date, there has been no evidence of recurrence.

Resumo Osteoblastoma é um tumor primário benigno raro. Constitui cerca de 3% dos tumores benignos e 1% de todos os tumores ósseos. O objetivo do tratamento é a ressecção completa, que limita o risco de recidiva. Por se tratar de um tumor vascularizado, a ressecção completa é, muitas vezes, difícil. Os autores descrevem um caso clínico de um paciente do sexomasculino de 19 anos que apresentava queixas de cervicalgia direita com irradiação para o ombro. O exame por tomografia computadorizada indicou uma lesão em C7 compatível com osteoblastoma. O paciente foi submetido a resseção cirúrgica após embolização pré-operatória e artrodese anterior. Aos 3 anos de seguimento, o paciente encontra-se assintomático e, até a data, sem evidência de recidiva.

Minimum of 10-year follow-up of V-rod technique in lumbar spondylolysis.

PURPOSE: To describe and analyze the use of the V-rod technique described by Gillet to repair spondylolysis in both early and late postoperative periods. METHODS: Patients submitted to surgical correction of lumbar spondylolysis with a V-rod system were selected upon exclusion of adjacent disk degenerative changes and high-grade spondylolisthesis. A preoperative clinical (ODI and VAS) and radiological evaluation was performed, along with assessments on the early (clinical evaluation-up to 1 year) and late (clinical and radiological-at least 10 years) postoperative periods. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included, 21 with L5 spondylolysis. Fifty percent had grade I spondylolisthesis. A significant decrease in ODI and VAS was observed from pre- to early and late post-op evaluation (all p < 0.05) but not during post-op evaluations. Changes from pre- to postoperative of both ODI and VAS were significantly higher than the minimal clinically important difference. Preoperative ODI and VAS were significantly higher in overweight/obese but similar postoperatively. No additional instability was found in late postoperative X-rays. Three patients needed revision surgery, with a survival rate of 81.8% for Gillet instrumentation at a mean follow-up of 687.7 ± 60.0 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment with V-rod system is associated with a significant improvement in ODI and VAS and radiologic stability, with an equal benefit in obese/overweight patients. This study reports for the first time an improvement that is maintained even 10 years after the initial intervention, associated with a low rate of failure. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

[Vitamin D measurement in Portuguese patients with fragility fractures]. / Níveis séricos de vitamina D em portugueses com fracturas de fragilidade.

OBJECTIVES: Osteoporosis is a «silent epidemic¼, resulting from a combination of many possible causal and risk factors, which prevalence depend on particular features of the population. The authors propose to characterize some of these elements, with special attention to vitamin D (vitD) levels, in a Portuguese population at risk, selected on the basis of a history of prior fragility fracture. METHODS: Participants were selected from the computerized list of discharges from all hospitalized patients in a Central Hospital in Oporto, between the dates 1/1/2002 and 31/12/2004, with the diagnosis of low-impact fracture of the wrist. They were invited to a reassessment of their risk of fracture, after 5 to 7 years from that event. For each one, a protocol was completed, focusing on clinical, epidemiological, laboratorial, radiological and densitometric parameters. RESULTS: In this population, as expected, there was a high rate of osteoporosis risk factors, which may explain the also high rate of subsequent osteoporotic fractures. Among others, early menopause, low intake of calcium and protein, levels of vitD generally inadequate and low frequency of osteopo-rosis treatment were noticed. DISCUSSION: The widespread insufficiency of vitD, described in other populations, mostly from the Northern countries, was also found here, supporting the suspicion that also in Portugal low vitD levels could be prevalent, despite the supposed regular sun exposure. These and other observations in this series, to be proven in directed studies, should, meanwhile, raise the levels of awareness of the community, but particularly health professionals and policymakers of public health, in a matter with a strong impact on individual and collective health in the country.